Thailand is one of the most fascinating countries to visit from all over the world and anyone who has already been visiting or who has spent a season there, I'm sure they will tell you the same as I am writing it to you myself.
It is a country where culture and beliefs are very different to those of Western societies. Today I want to talk to you about the festivals and traditions in Thailand so that you can get to know this great country a little better.
Buddhist rituals
Most of Thailand's festivals are related to Buddhist and Hindu rituals and are governed by the lunar calendar.. The Songkran (New Year) is celebrated in mid-April by “bathing” the Buddha images, playing with water and showing respect for monks and elders by sprinkling water on their hands.
Sowing and harvesting in May
The sowing and harvesting of rice gave rise to numerous festivals; for example, in May, to officially start the planting season, the king participates in an ancient Hindu ritual in Sanam Luang, a large field in central Bangkok.
Fireworks also in May
In this same month, a fireworks festival made from a mixture of bamboo and gunpowder is held in the northeast of the country to ask the skies for the rain necessary for rice plantations. The harvest of this cereal (September-May) it is the cause of a joyous celebration throughout the country.
Vegetarian festival
During the vegetarian festival held from the end of September to the beginning of October (9 days) in Phuket and Trang Chinese Buddhist devotees eat only vegetarian meals, they perform ceremonies in Chinese temples and processions.
The elephant festival
The elephant festival, held in Surin in mid-November, is the largest concentration of elephants in the world. During this celebration the elephants carry out a military parade, represent ancient battles and play a soccer game!
The Loi Kratong festival
Finally, Loi Kratong is one of the most beautiful festivals and is celebrated throughout the Kingdom on a full moon night in November. In this celebration, people gather around long rivers and canals and deposit small decorated boats. and with candles to apologize for their bad deeds in the past.
Things to know if you are visiting Thailand for the first time
Respect the Royal Family
The Royal Family in Thailand is held with great respect, making disparaging remarks about anyone belonging to the royal family is against the le, the penalty may be between 3 and 15 years in prison depending on the severity of the words.
The traditional greeting
The traditional greeting is called "wai" It is done by pressing the palms of the hands together on the chest or at the height of the nose, tilting the head slightly. This is a gesture that should always be done because it denotes respect and can be used to express health, thank you or to say goodbye.
Bodily behaviors
In Thai culture there is a lot of spiritual importance in the parts of the body. For example, you cannot point to people's feet, touch them or put your feet on seats or tables, nor can you walk over people who are sitting on the floor. The head is even more important, so you should not touch anyone's head since it is considered something of the most rude.
You should also avoid sitting on pillows that are intended for the head. And if you pass over food that is placed on the floor, it is also a very rude gesture that you should not make.
Take off shoes
If when you walk through Thailand you notice how many shoes are near the entrance of a house, a store or some other place, you should also take them off because it is considered rude to keep your shoes on. The dirt from the shoes must be left out of the rooms.
Days of colors
Based on pre-Buddhist Hindu legends, there are colors that are associated with each day of the week. This is most noticeable on Mondays when many people wear yellow shirts because they recognize and honor the day the King was born. Other popular colors are pink for Tuesday and light blue for Friday, which was the day the Queen was born. The color red and yellow are also important because they represent the strength of the opposition.
Mai feather rai
The phrase "Mai feather rai"Means something like" it doesn't matter "or maybe" forget it. " This phrase describes the official philosophy of the country where nobody likes to have to go through annoying situations. Why stress over trivial matters? Mai feather rai!
It is a type of relaxed mentality that has to do with people's feelings and emotions, it is to not take things too seriously and that anything can contain some fun.
Eating is a community thing
There is an attractive tradition that is cooking. Eating is a community activity and it is an event to be enjoyed. Usually when eating with more people you have to wait for the guest group leader to start eating first.
Prayer for rain
A Thai tradition that excites visitors is the festivals dedicated to prayer for rain. Farmers depend on rain for a good harvest and therefore have a wide variety of ways to enhance the rainy season.
These are just some examples of the extensive Thai culture and all the surprises that you can find if you go to this wonderful country both to live and to spend a few days on vacation. Both its people and its monuments and beautiful landscapes will not leave you indifferent. If you go back to your country of origin, I am sure that you will want to return as soon as possible to be able to enjoy everything it has to offer you again.